Guide: Cyberpunk 2077 - Everything We Know So Far

Cyberpunk 2077 is the latest open world role-playing game from developer CD Projekt Red. If you don't know who that is, shame on you -- you've almost certainly played its biggest game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Yes, it's that CD Projekt Red.

Though Cyberpunk 2077 was announced way back in 2012, we actually only just got our first real look at it at this year's E3, and it's already proving to be an absolutely massive game of impressive proportions.

In this guide, we'll run you through everything we know about Cyberpunk 2077, including exactly what it is, the release date, how it differs from The Witcher 3, and how it will play. We'll update this as we learn more, so keep checking back – and feel free to use the comments section for discussion.

Cyberpunk 2077 - What It Is

Cyberpunk 2077 is a first person RPG much like Skyrim or Fallout (without the option to switch to a third-person view), but one that features gunplay that more closely resembles the latest shooters. You know, like taking cover, wall-running, sliding, and all that stuff.

However, it's RPG first and foremost, so you can expect classes, statistics (one of which is literally called 'cool'), perks, skills, dialogue options, and all of those smaller details. You'll also create your own character using a bunch of hairstyle, tattoo, makeup, and clothing options. You can be either male or female.

Cyberpunk 2077 - Release Date and Platforms

Cyberpunk 2077 will launch when it's ready, according to CD Projekt Red, but the developer supposedly aims to have it in your hands by 2021.

It's currently listed as a PS4 game -- and always has been -- but there's some speculation over whether it'll actually end up being a PS5 title, or at least, a cross-gen title, landing on both the PS4 and PS5.

Cyberpunk 2077 - How It Compares to The Witcher 3

Much like The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077 is an open world RPG, but where it differs is in its first person perspective. Much like Skyrim or Fallout, Cyberpunk 2077 is viewed through the eyes of the main character.

You could also consider it a first-person shooter, in that it features a lot of gun-based combat. A variety of tech-based abilities add a bit of spice to the mix, which reminds us of Deus Ex.

Again, like The Witcher 3, there main focus is on role-playing. There will be branching dialogue choices, quests, factions, a class system, and a cast of diverse characters who are just waiting to be interacted with.

Cyberpunk 2077 - Gameplay

Cyberpunk 2077 is played from a first-person perspective, so you could consider it a first-person shooter, and there's certainly plenty of that. You'll use a wide variety of guns as your primary weapons, and as far as movement goes, you can perform a variety of quite acrobatic moves. That includes taking cover, wall-running, sliding, and a double jump. However, these abilities and more are determined by how you build your character.

There are plenty of RPG elements, too. For example, you'll have a bunch of abilities that you can use in combat, most of which are based on tech. You can hack devices, bounce bullets off walls, and use your arms as blades – and apparently much more.

There are also vehicles, and vehicle combat, too. We at least know right now that you can lean out of one to shoot, and that you can drive from a first or third-person perspective. There'll be cars and motorbikes available to drive.

As an RPG, you can expect to customise your character in a wide variety of different ways. These are either cosmetic (choosing your hairstyle, tattoos, makeup, or clothes) or functional -- tweaking stats, upgrading abilities, and equipping new weapons.

Reportedly, the world is massive – but it's unclear whether the game's setting, Night City, is as vast as The Witcher 3's map.

As far as multiplayer goes, CD Projekt Red has said that Cyberpunk 2077 is a single-player game first and foremost -- and that it will launch as one. However, multiplayer isn't off the table entirely. Some form of multiplayer may be added after launch, but the developer is making no promises.

Cyberpunk 2077 - Setting

Cyberpunk 2077 takes place in 2077, in a fictional, alternate timeline cyberpunk universe based on the Cyberpunk pen and paper table top games. You'll spend your time in Night City, which is a fictional West coast North American city.

Movies like Blade Runner, Dredd, and The Matrix incorporate cyberpunk elements, so if you've seen them, you'll kind of know what to expect here. Corporations now run the country, and the city streets are littered with crime and dodgy technology.

Cyberpunk 2077 - Story

Cyberpunk 2077 is based on the boardgame Cyberpunk, which has a lengthy backstory told throughout its various editions. Put simply, when the US's economy collapsed, the country went through a period of martial law, and the country had to turn to megacorporations to survive. This begins a period of corporate warfare, in which these megacorporations fight to gain more control over the country.

The latest version of the boardgame, Cyberpunk V.3, takes place in the 2030s, when the Fourth Corporate War has ended, and a wealth of data has been lost. This results in a loss of historical evidence and the fall of the megacorporations. In their place, a bunch of cults form and take over.

This is all very complicated stuff, and we're barely scratching the surface, but suffice to say that Cyberpunk 2077 explores the aftermath of that particular period. It's at least 40 years later on than the latest boardgame version.

We know you play as V, a mercenary who grew up on the streets and is trying to increase their social standing. 

The plot seems to revolve around the drug 'braindance', which allows you to experience life as another person by viewing their memories as if you were them at the time. There are good experiences – living the life of a rockstar or actor – and bad experiences – living the life of a serial killer.

We're not really sure how these two tie together, though. We'll have to wait for more information out of CD Projekt RED.

Cyberpunk 2077 - PS4 Pro Enhancements

CD Projekt RED hasn't announced any information regarding PS4 Pro enhancements. Given its vague release date, there's also a small chance this won't end up on the PS4 at all. We'll try and keep you posted.

Are you psyched for Cyberpunk 2077? How do you feel about the move from fantasy to sci-fi for CD Projekt RED? Bare all in the comments section below.